

BJJ Mental Models
Steve Kwan
Your guide to a conceptual and intelligent Jiu-Jitsu approach. BJJ black belt Steve Kwan and a slate of expert guests explain the concepts, strategies, and tactics behind the gentle art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Episodes
Mentioned books

30 snips
Feb 19, 2024 • 1h 12min
Ep. 272: Common Jiu-Jitsu Mistakes, feat. Matt Kwan
Jiu-Jitsu expert Matt Kwan discusses common mistakes in the sport, like regulating tension and setting goals. They cover topics such as managing distance, inside channel control, and the importance of clear grips. The podcast explores the challenges of knowledge transmission and goal setting, with a humorous anecdote thrown in. They also touch on teaching leg locks to children and rebranding in the Jiu-Jitsu community.

Feb 12, 2024 • 1h 4min
Ep. 271: High-Functioning Anxiety in BJJ, feat. Kristina Barlaan
This week we're joined again by Kristina Barlaan! Kristina is a black belt under Caio Terra, and is a passionate advocate for mental health in the Jiu-Jitsu community. In this episode, Kristina joins us to speak candidly about her personal experiences with high-functioning anxiety as a Jiu-Jitsu coach and athlete.Follow Kristina on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kbjiujitsuEmail Kristina:kristina@kbjiujitsu.com Connect with Erin Herle for mental performance coaching:https://erinherle.com/Feb 25 2024: Train with Kristina & Erin in Queens NY!https://www.girls-in-gis.com/events/ (Event is a fundraiser in support of Shama Ko, Program Director at Girls in Gis, during her battle with cancer)Mental models discussed in this episode:Resulting Fallacyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/resulting/ Psychological Safetyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/psychological-safety/Stress and Recoveryhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/stress-and-recovery/Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta

Feb 5, 2024 • 1h 12min
Ep. 270: The 3 Joint Rule, feat. Jeff Shaw
In this episode, Jeff Shaw joins the podcast to break down the 3 Joint Rule in Jiu Jitsu, emphasizing the importance of controlling your opponent's limbs. They also discuss the significance of grips, the contribution of junior belts to senior belts, and the importance of fun and balancing training. Additionally, they explore the benefits of BJJ Mental Models Premium, including resources on the three joint rule and building a positive gym culture.

Jan 29, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ep. 269: Position Series: The Honey Badger, feat. Josh "Kintanon" Wentworth
This week we're joined again by Josh "Kintanon" Wentworth! Josh joins us to break down a powerful and underloved position: the honey badger. This is effectively when you "turtle" inside your opponent's guard and dig for a double under or stack pass. It's an amazing tactic for opening and passing the guard, especially against larger opponents.Follow Josh on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/apexconyers/Argue with Josh on Reddit:https://www.reddit.com/user/kintanonTrain with Josh at Apex MMA:https://www.apexconyers.com/Resources discussed in this episode:Jiu-Jitsu for Hobbits, feat. Josh Wentworth (requires BJJMM Premium):https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/products/jiu-jitsu-for-hobbits-feat-josh-kintanon-wentworthBJJMM Camp 2023 recorded sessions (requires BJJMM Premium):https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/products/camps-seminarsJosh's Knee Shield Half Guard instructionals:https://vimeo.com/ondemand/kneeshieldhalf (Gi)https://vimeo.com/ondemand/kneeshieldnogi (No gi)Mental models discussed in this episode:Limb Coilinghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/limb-coiling/Predictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/Inside Channel Controlhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/inside-channel-control/Elbow-Knee Connectionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection/Surface Areahttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/Leading Edgeshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/leading-edges/Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta

Jan 22, 2024 • 1h 7min
Ep. 268: When to Optimize, feat. Edwin "Junny" Ocasio
Edwin Ocasio, world champion in BJJ, discusses his motivation for success and achieving major goals. They explore the pitfalls of over-optimizing training and the importance of recognizing and working on weaknesses. The chapter also emphasizes the need for realistic training, setting realistic goals, and discusses the impact and perception of the guest's podcast appearances.

Jan 15, 2024 • 1h 9min
Ep. 267: Jiu-Jitsu Mythbusting, feat. Greg Souders
Greg Souders, coach and owner of Standard Jiu-Jitsu in Maryland, joins the discussion to challenge common Jiu-Jitsu myths. He argues against the 'win or learn' mantra and critiques the use of rigid techniques in training. Souders promotes an ecological training approach that prioritizes learning over competition. The conversation also touches on the value of intentionality, the role of belt rankings, and how focusing on effort and adaptability can lead to greater mastery. His insights redefine success in the Jiu-Jitsu community.

Jan 8, 2024 • 1h 7min
Ep. 266: From Student to Teacher, feat. Alec Baulding
This week we're joined by Alec Baulding! Alec is a black belt under Romero Cavalcanti, an accomplished competitor, and a reputed YouTube content creator. In this episode, Alec shares his thoughts on the journey from Jiu-Jitsu student to teacher.Subscribe to Alec's YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/AlecBauldingFollow Alec on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/alecbauldingGet Alec's instructionals on his website and BJJ Fanatics:https://www.alecbaulding.com/https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/alec-bauldingResources mentioned in this episode: How Jozef Chen is Changing BJJ — YouTubehttps://youtu.be/p0kK1JlC8GwInstagram accounts suggested by Alec https://www.instagram.com/dubious_domhttps://www.instagram.com/jonthomasbjjhttps://www.instagram.com/heather_morganbjjhttps://www.instagram.com/giancarlobodoniMental models discussed in this episode:Feedback Loophttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop/Shuharihttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/shuhari/Beginner's Mindhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/Consistencyhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/consistency/Gamificationhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification/Respect People, Not Positionshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/respect-people-not-positions/Teach to Learnhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/teach-to-learn/Learning Modalitieshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/learning-modalities/Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjj⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta

Jan 1, 2024 • 1h 2min
Ep. 265: Mental Toughness, feat. Erin Herle
This week we're joined again by Erin Herle! Erin is a black belt under Rubens Charles "Cobrinha" and is the founder of #SubmitTheStigma. She's also a mental performance consultant with a Master of Science in Sport and Performance Psychology, which is relevant to our topic of conversation today.In this episode, Erin talks about mental toughness. She explains how mental toughness is an attribute you can train, how many people define it incorrectly, and what to expect when you work with a mental performance consultant. She also explains the limitations of mental performance coaching and the ethical importance of staying within your area of competency.Take Erin's mental toughness quiz:https://www.erinherle.com/mental-toughness-quizNOTE: Erin is only running this quiz for a limited time. In the future, this link might cease to work. If you get an error accessing the quiz but still want to take it, please contact Erin directly at the social links below.Follow Erin and her programs on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/erinherlehttps://www.instagram.com/trainyamindhttps://www.instagram.com/submitthestigmaWork with Erin:https://www.erinherle.com/Mental models discussed in this episode:Self-Competitionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/self-competition/Beginner's Mindhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/beginners-mind/Investing in Losshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/investing-in-loss/Habits Over Resultshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/habits-over-results/Keep it Playfulhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/keep-it-playful/Gamificationhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/gamification/ Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta

8 snips
Dec 25, 2023 • 1h 11min
Ep. 264: Teaching Submissions First, feat. Priit Mihkelson
"Teaching Submissions First" features guest Priit Mihkelson, who surprisingly teaches submissions first at his gym. They discuss the benefits of starting with submissions, teaching survival first, challenging old teachings in jiu-jitsu, and the possibility of coaching. They also explore the defensive BJJ platform and the importance of prioritizing defense in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Dec 18, 2023 • 1h 1min
Ep. 263: The Knee Slice, feat. Heather Morgan
This week we're joined by Heather Morgan! Heather is a BJJ black belt under André Galvão and a prominent online instructor. In this episode, Heather discusses how she attacks from her favorite guard pass: the knee slice.Follow Heather on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/heather_morganbjj/Subscribe to Heather on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/CaptMorgan0820Check out Heather's knee slice course:https://vimeo.com/ondemand/kneecutcrashcourseMental models discussed in this episode:Controlling the Distancehttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/controlling-the-distance/Surface Areahttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/Core Mechanicshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/core-mechanics/Waypointshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/waypoints/Dilemmashttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/dilemma/Committed Techniqueshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/Technique Chaininghttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/technique-chaining/Critical Control Pointshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/critical-control-points/Elbow-Knee Connectionhttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/elbow-knee-connection/Mirrorred Stanceshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/mirrored-stances/Predictable Responseshttps://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.Sign up here for a free trial:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/Need more BJJ Mental Models?Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/Follow us on social:https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/Music by Enterprize:https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/⚠️ NEW course from BJJ Mental Models!MINDSET FOR BETAS, our new Jiu-Jitsu audio course with Rob Biernacki, is now available on BJJ Mental Models Premium! For a limited time, get your first month FREE at:https://bjjmentalmodels.com/beta


